Frank Lampard received a controversial red card in yesterday’s big game – and it was the catalyst for Chelsea’s eventual defeat.
Lampard was dismissed for stretching and going for a ball at knee height a few feet in front of him, studs up. But how else was he supposed to get it? It was physically impossible for him to challenge for it any other way – he couldn’t have turned his foot, sole-first was the only possibility.
By red-carding Lampard Riley gave out a statement of intent from referees – you simply cannot challenge for balls bouncing in front of you. Lampard has the choice of pulling out of the challenge – or being sent off.
Let’s hope the decision is recinded after today’s appeal, else we’re heading down a dangerous road with the outlawing of tacking the final destination.
I think you should also mention Bosingwa’s (?) challenge on Josi Benayoun. Now that should have been a red card!!!
Oscar winning performance
@ nathan – I agree, that was definitely a red, it’s unbelievable that after review the FA decided to take no action. Apparently it’s because the linesman saw it so retrospective punishment is not possible. Rightly, Lampard’s Red was rescinded yesterday!